Lair of Dreams was even better than the first book in The Diviners series. I don’t think I’ve ever written those words before. Very rarely do I find myself falling in love with the second book in a series, even when a series is four books long like this one. Second books are always just dull to me since we know the characters. Libba Bray made me eat my words. She crafted a world even more intricate and magical than the first book. A book that left me breathless and wanting more from The Diviners series. New characters are introduced and the cliffhanger this book leaves on? Wow. I am still reeling. By the time this review goes live (hello folks, I read this book in August) I will have probably finishing the third book in this series and be anxiously awaiting the release of the final book. However, for now, I am just so blown away.
I listened to this book over the period of around 10 days. I listened every time I took my dog for a walk and I can’t say that I took him every day due to my arthritis medication making my body hurt more. However, I found myself taking my dog for longer walks just so I didn’t have to stop listening. I am still so new to this audiobook game but it is so fun! My complaint when I first started was that I can read faster than the people speaking. So, it’s 2x speed for me at all times. I still read a book a lot faster physically but it is so nice to be able to read and walk.
Anyway, more about the Lair of Dreams. The second book in The Diviners series follows the same characters as the first, with an extra one thrown in for good measure. It takes the same setting, New York in the 1920’s. The characters all coming together with there individual stories. I think the best part about this book was finally having all the characters meet each other in one group setting. So many of the relationships between characters have been duos, making it difficult for all the information to be shared between characters. However, the events of Lair of Dreams means that Libba Bray had to bring all her characters together. She does it so well as well. The characters all have their voice and no one gets lost throughout the story.
There is such a unique struggle with identity throughout this book. With almost every character being diverse in some way or simply struggling with their divine powers. In a time where being unique wasn’t accepted, unless you were white and rich, it is easy to see why so many struggles arise.
Truly, there is so much story that goes into Lair of Dreams that the 600 pages this story is told over are not nearly enough to capture it all. I don’t think I’ve ever said those words either. Libba Bray has truly changed my outlook on so many things.
I mentioned in my review for The Diviners that I didn’t like the idea that a love triangle was forming throughout the book. Lair of Dreams puts that triangle to rest pretty quickly, and unfortunately, it was not with the guy I liked. Which made me a bit sad, but I could definitely feel the chemistry between Sam and Evie throughout the book. I say that incredibly begrudgingly, I hope you know. I am not good at swapping my ships over once they are set in place.
I really think Libba Bray perfectly interweaves the story of diversity into this world. There are so many marginalised voices throughout the story and each one is given their moment in the spotlight. All of these voices were ones that would have been silenced in the era this book is set. There is such a solidarity between these characters that it is amazing.
I think my only complaint is there wasn’t more Theta. She is truly my favourite character in this series and with the way this book ended I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of her in the third.
Overall, I’m going to end my review here. Not because I don’t have anything to say but because I have too much to say and I truly don’t want to spoil anyone. This story deserves to be picked up by everyone. It truly has a little something for every person. Unlike the Diviners, Lair of Dreams is definitely not as scary. It is spooky more so, but definitely lacks the gruesome factor that The Diviners had. ...more
The Diviners by Libba Bray has been on my TBR for some time now. Every time I’ve gone to pick it up I’ve been intimidated by the sheer size of this book. It is a pretty thick book and I am someone who never knows how a book will hold my attention. I’m not sure what drove me to finally pick up this paranormal treat but I am so glad I did! Even if I did choose to pick it up in my first week of university (oops). The Diviners is an absolutely delightful treat that I feel has something for everyone. With a diverse group of characters, who all get their moment in the spotlight, and a plot that you simply can’t forget this story is one that I know I will be highly recommending for months on end. I have so many positive things to say about this book that I don’t even know where to begin. I want to start with the fact that you need to read this. Even if you’re afraid of the sheer size of the book, like me. It is such a treat that I know everyone who reads my blog will enjoy.
Some fun facts though. I discovered Libba Bray’s books in my first year of high school and absolutely fell in love with her writing. I’m so shocked that it has taken me basically ten years to continue with her works. Also, this was the first book I have listened to partially on audiobook and I loved it.
What is The Diviners about? I’m sure your curious after me urging desperately for everyone to read it. Well, this book follows a series of teenagers in 1920’s New York. The era of flapper girls and where racism was still very apparent in the streets (I guess it still is). The story doesn’t end there though, this book is about a group of teenagers fighting evil spirits or entities that come to the city and do some terrible things. The plot follows several different characters and you get basically everyone’s backstories. Including the murderers. Not only that but you get the perspective of the murderer. At first this was something that frustrated me as I wanted a bit of mystery, but as the book continued I found myself getting chills down my spin when his chapters came along due to the sheer creepiness. I honestly can’t say too much on this book as a whole because it will begin to spoil this story for you and if you haven’t yet read it I definitely don’t want to give away things.
Libba Bray just weaves this intricate world that really screams at you. Due to the urban fantasy setting the world building is sneakily interwoven into the story in a way that leaves you basically breathless at how well it is done. I am not someone who typically enjoys books that head into the paranormal area but this book was in another playing field completely. I can’t wait to continue and fall more in love with these characters.
I’d have to say that Theta and Henry were my two favourite characters in this book. They both had difficult upbringings and to see them working together to accomplish their goals (and be so beautifully platonic friends) was something that I feel Libba Bray did amazingly well. There is a whole chapter dedicated to Theta’s backstory and I actually listened to it while vacuuming my house and I was sobbing by the end of it – which made mopping the floors even easier.
All the characters though are just so filled with depth. I can’t say I can remember the last time I read a fantasy book with characters who are so well created and utterly amazing. I am basically speechless on this book and I am really struggling to even begin to format my words on this one.
I think my only complaint about The Diviners is that there are hints of a love triangle forming. If you’ve read any of my past reviews you know I despise love triangles. I have a nasty habit of choosing one person and absolutely despising the other. I can’t help it. I even hate Jem from The Infernal Devices because I can’t love two. It is a difficult mess. While I didn’t want this book to end I also wanted Evie to hurry up and choose a man so my torment could end – spoiler, she doesn’t choose anyone by the end of this book.
Overall, The Diviners is well worth the hype it receives. I haven’t read a book with fantasy elements in a long time but I know this one has shot to my favourite books of 2018. It is truly a story that is woven so beautifully. I can’t help but highly recommend it because I truly think everyone will love it....more
I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed in What If It’s Us. I didn’t expect a lot from this book and it still managed to disappoint me and drive me to a breaking point. I am a fan of Adam Silvera’s books but Becky Albertalli books have never been for me. Combining two authors in which I have such differing opinions on was really interesting for me to jump in to, I was expecting for this to not be my favourite but I wasn’t expecting to not enjoy it as much as I did. What If It’s Us is a book that plays of miscommunication and jealousy to form chemistry throughout the book. I don’t like either of these tropes. What If It’s Us also relies heavily on pop culture references to push forward the story, in a way that feels as if they’re being shoved down your throat. I truly feel sorry for anyone who isn’t a fan of the musical Hamilton that tries to pick this book up.
What If It’s Us follows two teenage boys in New York. They both come from extremely different backgrounds and have an extremely different romantic history. Hell, the pair meet in a post office when Ben is sending a box of things his ex got him back to his ex.
Arthur is from Georgia, he has two best friends, Jewish and is in New York for the summer to intern at a law firm that his mum works at. Arthur is full of jealousy. The guy gets jealous over everything. Another male could blink at Ben and I think that Arthur would full over as he reached for assumptions. Arthur truly had no personality throughout this novel. He completely and utter is happy to follow Ben around. His personality stems from liking musicals, which is truly the extent of it all. Oh, and that he liked Instagram. That quickly ebbed out of the story though as Ben came more into play. Arthur truly lost his personality and struggles.
I feel we get to know Ben more throughout the story. Ben grew up in New York and is Puerto Rican. There are some interesting discussions about race and how Ben is white passing. However, throughout the book, it is clear that Ben is not over his ex-boyfriend, Hudson. No matter how the authors tried to play it. It was so clear that Ben was still into Hudson, no matter how much they tried to force Arthur as the love interest. Ben is cagey and embarrassed about going to summer school, but he at least has some character development through the book. Which I was thankful for because this story truly feels like it comes to a standstill.
There are a couple things I liked about this book. However, they can usually be contradicted with something I didn’t like. Which is unfortunate, but I guess I’ll get started.
I guess I liked the fact that the characters text in full words. It was nice to see that the text language in this book read like actual teenagers. That’s all I have for this point.
Both Ben and Arthur’s families are incredibly supportive of their sons being gay. There are no homophobic comments being made by either parent and they actually get together for a dinner, which was nice to see. Both parents just support their sons a lot, which was truly great, I feel there aren’t enough supportive parents in YA fiction. However, this book had disappearing parents. Whenever something important was playing into the story the parents were suddenly gone. They also let their kids out at all hours of the night that seemed confusing to me. I know it’s New York, but bad things happen there and I don’t think I’d want my kid walking around the streets late at night.
The other thing I liked about this book was that it was sex-positive and promoted safe sex. I know it’s not that big of a deal, but it is always nice to see that combo in a YA book. I don’t really have a negative to back up this claim. This was basically the only other thing I did like about this book though, which is unfortunate.
To start off, the two authors writing a story together can always end up messy. The characters voices may get lost or they may simply not work together. I feel that with What If It’s Us. This book lacked that BAM that the authors needed in their execution. It was truly lacking in spark and flare. It was as if combining the authors made them lose the spark from their solo books that I hear everyone talk about.
Have you ever read a book where there is zero chemistry? What If It’s Us is the book to pick up if you haven’t but are curious. Obviously, I’ve only read the eARC, but oh boy. Ben and Arthur straight up have no chemistry, hell on their first date Ben spends the whole time thinking about Hudson. If that wasn’t bad enough, the pairs best friends also have their own relationships going. Ben’s best friend with a girl from a coffee shop and Arthur’s two best friends getting together. We all come together at one stage of the book and the story feels…stagnant for lack of better word. The characters have no spark by themselves let alone with a romantic love interest.
If you don’t like excessive pop culture references playing into your books, avoid this one. Hamilton is a major plot point throughout this book. They discuss the musical in depth and Arthur thinks of Lin Manuel-Miranda so many times. It just wasn’t interesting. It was wasted page space and this book was already longer than it should be. I am a massive Hamilton fan too. I made all my friends listen to it and I even rapped it while drunk at a party, but I didn’t talk about it this extensively. This book made me hate Hamilton. Also, were Becky and Adam sponsored by Lyft? This book mentioned Lyft so much that it was literally strange. I don’t get why it had always had to be ‘I’m calling a Lyft’ like okay? Just say you’re calling a ride?
Finally, the romance in this book is whirlwind as hell. The characters have been seeing each other for two months and they said ‘I love you’, yikes. Not only that but the whole plotline and basis of their relationship stems from jealousy and miscommunication. I have never been more frustrated than I was reading What If It’s Us. Ben is the master of keeping secrets or simply withholding information and Arthur is the master at jumping to conclusions and getting angry. Honestly, it was exhausting to see Arthur get mad because Ben had been late. I just wanted to scream at them to break up and end the story. Obviously, that didn’t happen because there are 400 pages of this book and I like to torture myself. The miscommunications in this book were annoying as well. I just can’t. Arthur had no reason to leap so hard for the conclusions he did and I really don’t get why Ben withheld so much damn information. In real life, and in this book actually, this couple would be extremely toxic. They both seemed incredibly clingy, as did their friends, in a way that still makes me a little uncomfortable and it’s been 12 hours since I finished the book.
Overall, no way do I recommend What If It’s Us. I enjoyed some elements of the book and the fact it was diverse is great. However, that doesn’t mean that this book was perfect and is above criticisms. I’m interested to see other peoples opinions once this book does release and I do feel it will be loved by many. I just can’t, in good faith, recommend it when the story is weak and the characters bland. I truly hope another edit happens for this book because it needs it....more
R E V I E W Let’s Talk About Love felt like an important book. I’ve never seen asexuality or being aromantic represented in a book until this one, and it definitely deserves all the hype. I also feel it’s important to mention that the main character is also bisexual, I’m just not sure where else to mention it in this review so here is good. Before this book, I was struggling with if I fell under the asexuality umbrella but Alice (the main character) and her story really helped me settle that I wasn’t and I need to keep hunting for a term that better suits me. However, this book is so important. It would be so beneficial to so many teens who are struggling with their own sexuality to show that they’re not ‘freaks’ for not wanting sexual experiences. If I find any reviews that are #ownvoices I will make sure to link them here.
I felt that this book was an incredibly accurate show of life. From the friend dynamic to the thoughts Alice had regarding her friend’s relationship and to the friend’s reactions. It was all so incredibly real and accurate, things I can identify have happened in my own life. Fennie, Alice’s best friend since kindergarten, was an incredibly realistic character that I would love to read a story from. She felt so important and like she had so many layers, which is so wonderful to see in a book.
The main plot of Let’s Talk About Love was Alice’s struggle with being asexual. She was comfortable with it (sometimes unable to say the word though) and had told a few people, but she was unsure how to vocalise it and unwilling to deal with the fact she would have to educate everyone she told. Her two best friends are the only people aware at the beginning of the book, which Alice is comfortable with. The book follows Alice’s journey of trying to understand herself and feel comfortable enough to come out. It’s all a super heart-warming story that makes you want to turn to mush.
This review is getting long with me just explaining plot points, so I’ll start jumping into what I loved.
✗ GOOD AND HELPFUL ADULTS
I loved the counsellor. So often in books, a counsellor (or just adults) are represented as a bad idea, an idiot, someone who makes you worse. That is the case in some instances but not always. It was so amazing to see a counsellor actually help their patient and talk about what was troubling them. Adding on to this, it was actually a health teacher at Alice’s high school that informed her of what asexuality is when she approached them.
✗ A MAIN CHARACTER WHO ISN’T ALL BUTTERFLIES AND RAINBOWS
Alice is unlikeable. Do you ever meet those girls in life who only think for or about them? It’s okay if you’re one of those people as well, just as long as you’re aware and can make sure you at least try to care about others around you. Alice is this character though. Rarely throughout the book does she focus on anyone but her. Even when it comes to her friends, Alice always comes first. She’s an asshole and it is so good to see that in a character. Not everyone is always happy and giving and caring, it’s okay to be selfish and care about yourself. It’s just so good to see it in a book that doesn’t demonise it.
✗ EDUCATION AND REPRESENTATION
Obviously, diverse books aren’t here to educate us. They aren’t here to inform us of everything we need to know. Google is there for the help if you don’t understand something. But, I found Let’s Talk About Love really did aim to educate on what Alice felt. It was really interesting to read, especially hearing her explanations and analogies.
✗ REALISTIC FRIENDSHIPS
A lot of the times in YA friendships are just ignored when the main character finds a boy they like. Suddenly their friends don’t matter and they never get called out on it. Which really frustrates me because the amount of time a friend has decided I’m not worth their time after they find a boy is really frustrating. Let’s Talk About Love does something similar, but it makes sure to call out what is going on which I loved. There is also jealously displayed among friends that I don’t think is shown enough in books and is incredibly normal. It’s also normal to fight with your friends, especially when you live together or a big change is happening so it was really nice to see that in the text as well.
So, I think it’s pretty clear that I loved this book and all of its elements. So, why didn’t it get five stars? Well, my reader of this review, I did have a few itsy bitsy flaws.
✗ LACK OF DEPTH WITH LOVE INTEREST
I did enjoy the romance in Let’s Talk About Love but I felt like Takumi really lacked depth. I feel like there was so much more to his character that wasn’t given to us and it’s really all I wanted. I felt like the biggest insight we got from him was when he told Alice about his ex… while he was drunk, not exactly the most depth creating an experience.
✗ GLOSSING OF DETAIL
This one also connects with the last point, I felt most of the relationship with Takumi was glossed over. Even when it came to Alice and Takumi being just friends I feel that as the reader we were cheated out of many depths creating experiences – like when Takumi made Alice conquer her fear of heights. I just felt like there was so much I missed out on by Alice merely briefly mentioning these events to the people around her.
Overall, Let’s Talk About Love doesn’t have many flaws. It was an incredibly enjoyable book that I managed to read in a day. It was fluffy and smile-provoking. It also spurred tears and made me emotional. Overall, I highly recommend it as a whole....more
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World was a book I knew I was going to love before I even started it. I have read two others of Ashley Herring Blake’s works and loved them. Ashley has a talent of incorporating as much as feeling into her books as possible so you have no choice but to feel connected to her characters. Her books feel so short to me since I’ve read them all in one sitting, but they’re so damn good. Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World was no different. I was so blown away by the beautiful writing, the emotions, the representation of mental health in a young person and just the connection of every character.
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World opens with a tornado raining down on her town. I’ve lived through a couple of cyclones (the Australian equivalent) and they were scary as heck. This tornado was so much worse than anything I’ve ever experienced and I was crying. What happens to the Aberdeen’s though is that their entire house is destroyed. They’re homeless. They end up in a hotel, where the owner is a lovely woman who’s girlfriend is coming to live with her soon. As the book continues Ivy deals with her own sexuality and the feeling of isolation in her own family. I truly believe there is something for everyone in Ashley Herring Blake’s books, and this one is no exception.
L I K E S ✗ STRONG FAMILY TIES
This review is high key just going to be praising Ashley Herring Blake. Ashley knows how to write a good family. No one is perfect and they’re always messy. There are problems interwoven into every family and a lot of books don’t accurately explain this. This particular book highlights the importance of family, but also how you don’t always feel included and that can be a bit shitty. I know I’ve had moments where I don’t feel as if I’m included in my own family and it really bloody sucks.
Despite all the messy stuff that happens in the book the family ties are so strong. Really. As Ivy struggles with her identity it felt so important that she had her family. They make mistakes and with her being the middle child she is sometimes forgotten or labeled as too young but in the end it’s family that matters in the book.
✗ GOOD FRIENDSHIPS
This is similar to my last point. The friendships are a bit messy, yes. But, they are so important to the story. They have their problems and the characters make mistakes and accidentally end up hurting each other but it’s because they care. You have to remember as well, since this is a middle grade the characters make mistakes and are also young. You really can’t critique their actions because this is how people act at this particular age.
✗ ADORABLE STORY
This is one of the most adorable stories I have read to date. I smiled, a laughed, I cried and I was so damn happy by the time I finished it. It was amazing. I don’t know why this book affected me so much but it felt perfect honestly. I think the best part of this story was that when it ends you know it’s not over for Ivy Aberdeen. She has a long road of life to go and it will be a journey, but a journey I would desperately like to read about.
I really can’t put into words how much this story made me feel and I hate it, because I want the world to know just how important Ashley Herring Blake’s books are to the world. They need to be read.
✗ MADE ME CRY
Believe it or not, I was crying about 3% into this book. I was so heartbroken by the writing. The feelings that Ivy had towards her family’s home being destroyed in Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter To the World. I am a big crybaby but of late I haven’t been crying a lot – it’s a shock. So, when I started bawling during this book I was both confused and amazed.
D I S L I K E S ✗ I REALLY CANT THINK OF A FLAW
This is a little embarrassing, I literally can’t think of a flaw for this book. I have sat here for about thirty minutes thinking about a point in this book that I didn’t enjoy. I have nothing. It was basically a perfect middle grade story that you can fly through. I know it seems as if I’m sucking up the ass of the author by not adding a flaw (yeah, low key am oops) but I truly can’t think of something. I read this book in under two hours and the rollercoaster of emotion it took me on was so damn beautiful.
Overall, Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World is one of my favourite books of this year. I am so happy I had the chance to read it because I enjoyed it more than I could have ever though. I can’t recommend this highly enough, even if middle grade or contemporary isn’t a genre you typically reach for. You should reach for this. It’s the perfect story of a teen dealing with her identity while displaced and I just…I have no words. Ashley Herring Blake is truly one of the most talented authors I have had the pleasure of reading ...more
I’ve read two of Ashley Herring Blake’s books and they’ve both ripped me to shreds. Her beautifully diverse books have a way of making you feel joy, regret, love and sadness throughout the book. It is truly difficult to transcribe just how they do make you feel. The first book I read of hers, How To Make A Wish, left me so completely heartbroken I was unable to fully compose a review. In this case, I do need to review Girl Made of Stars because it was sent to me in exchange for a review, so let’s get real into this ramble, my friends.
Girl Made of Stars really tackles some difficult issues, like sexual assault and victim blaming. The author made sure to deal with these issues head-on, not shying away and going as far to make you as the reader uncomfortable. I mean, I sure was uncomfortable during some of these points.
This really was such a heartbreaking story in so many ways. I truly wasn’t expecting the level of death which was written in Girl Made of Stars. I also wasn’t expecting all the star sign references and for them to play such a large part in some of the dialogue throughout. A few of my friends love star signs, so they were very excited when I told them about this particular fact.
I can’t speak for any of the rep that is featured throughout this book, but as this book hits release I will definitely come back and try to add as many own voices reviews as I can.
P L O T
The plot for Girl Made of Stars is heavy. It is difficult and it is uncomfortable. With so many sexual assault stories coming out in the media I really felt it was finally the perfect time for me to read this. I really feel like this book is important to fiction and I truly hope many of you will choose to pick it up when it hits bookstores in May. I recommend it highly.
Mara’s twin Owen has been accused of raping his girlfriend. But, would he do that? Her twin brother? The person she knows better than anyone else and shared a womb with for nine months? She’s not sure. What she does know is that Owen’s girlfriend Hannah wouldn’t lie about something like this. Which leaves Mara is a messy middle where she needs to work out who she supports during this.
During this Mara is also dealing with something from her past that caused problems with her ex-girlfriend and best friend (they’re the same person) Charlie.
I really can’t even begin to describe this. It was heartbreaking. Almost every chapter left me desperately needing more because I needed to know how Mara would deal with the situation at hand. I was thankful for the choices she made at the end of the book.
C H A R A C T E R S
#M A R A
Mara was an incredibly strong character. That is putting it lightly. I’ve really been staring at the cursor on my page for about ten minutes trying to work out how to begin to describe Mara. She wasn’t what I was expecting, thats for sure. She was so much better.
This author has such a talent for writing strong and powerful female characters. They go through such a process throughout the books she writes that truly leaves you aching. Mara was no different. She has her battles and she dealt with them, sometimes in a messy way and sometimes in a correct way. It was truly just amazing to witness her growth throughout the book.
She’s basically left me speechless.
O V E R A L L
Overall, I can’t wait to get my hands on the finished copy of Girl Made of Stars. I absolutely adore all of Ashley Herring Blake’s books that I have read and would recommend them to literally everyone. She truly has a way for words and her diverse casts are truly beautiful....more
I'm crying. My heart has been ripped out my TRIGGER WARNINGS: parental neglect & alcoholism.
Another book shooting straight to my favourites?
You bet.
I'm crying. My heart has been ripped out my chest and stomped on. I can't believe just how incredible this novel is.
I'm not sure I can ever write a full review to this. So many scenes I can't speak about and I, overall, can't speak about how much you need to read this book. Just wow. ...more
i listened to this fully on audio boo which i think made the experience better? there was an ableist word in this that made me feel icky (sSECOND READ
i listened to this fully on audio boo which i think made the experience better? there was an ableist word in this that made me feel icky (sp**tic). but overall it was a decent story. the movie is better for me though tbh.
FIRST READ DNF @ 15%
WARNING: this is an unpopular opinion. If you enjoyed this book, I am so glad for you, honestly. However, I didn't enjoy this book. So, please respect my opinion, as I respect yours.
I'm sorry. I can't finish this. I'm bored for one and it's honestly written in such an annoying way I'm rolling my eyes. I'm a massive Harry Potter fan, but several references in the first few chapters is overdoing it.
This book honestly felt like it was trying too hard. I read a review stating this was written by a straight author (I'm straight so this is simply an opinion I viewed on a review) so maybe that is why it comes across that way. It is simply not for me.
I honestly can't say much about this book. It may be short, but if by 15% I'm not connecting with a single character I know I'm not going to overall enjoy the story. Which honestly disappoints me, since I've been excited for this because of hype....more
Going into a book which is titled They Both Die At The End you don't really expect it to happen. That doesn't even matter because almost the whole book I've been crying. The whole concept of this book is heartbreaking. Imagine knowing you will die within the next 24 hours? You may not even get the full 24 hours. You just know you'll die by the end of the day. That's terrifying and honestly, gives me the chills.
That is what happens to our two main characters, Mateo and Rufus. The pair are complete strangers, on different paths, when they receive the call. The call informing me them that they will be dying. They meet through an app where strangers are able to meet up and have fun on their last day on Earth. Now that I think about it, that's incredibly morbid.
Despite how morbid I am now realising it is, I found myself completely in love with the idea. I couldn't stop reading. It was actually the first book I read before Caitlin did, a miracle, trust me. The friendship shared between Mateo and Rufus was beautiful. I loved their interactions and how their friendship progressed organically into what it did throughout the story. The pair say their final goodbyes to the people they love, as well as suffering repercussions of actions that happened before their D-Day phone call.
I did have my problems with the story, mainly the ending but the writing is so flawless that I can't fault too much. I found Mateo and Rufus to be complete people, maybe people I would meet. They did not seem one dimensional at all. One complaint I can say without spoiling too much is that I wished this novel was longer. I was left wanting more when I turned the last page!
Adam Silvera manages to craft a word that I would hate to live in and a world that has made me realise I need to take chances; I need to go on that random adventures with my friends, ask that cute boy I'm crushing on for his number and to truly take risks. I need to experience life fully.
an ARC was provided but all opinions are my own....more
BR with Caitlin, who I bought this book for for her birthday so hb baby girl THIS REVIEW AND OTHERS FEATURE ON MY BLOG Trigger Warnings: suicide, homopBR with Caitlin, who I bought this book for for her birthday so hb baby girl THIS REVIEW AND OTHERS FEATURE ON MY BLOG Trigger Warnings: suicide, homophobia, depression, cheating, ableism
R A M B L E
If you know me, you know I love Adam Silvera. As a person, his books, everything about him. I’ve never met the man, but I religiously follow his tweets and Instagram stories. His books have torn me about and put me back together. I had yet to read the debut though. They Both Die At The End and History Is All You Left Me were two of the books I have cried the most in. They were so beautifully woven. However, More Happy Than Not fell short on me. I didn’t cry, once. Maybe I’m used to Adam’s more heartbreaking books but this book just fell a tad short. I totally get why people do cry, because I sure was upset but not a single tear dropped.
If you’ve been following me for a while you’ll also know I rarely read blurbs. I don’t know why. I like to be completely shocked when I go into a book, I guess. My guess of what More Happy Than Not would be was in no way accurate. I don’t know why I was expecting something maybe similar to The Fault In Our Stars but much more heartbreaking. I really don’t know where that idea came from, honestly. I assume you have actually read the blurb from Goodreads I’ve included in my review and can determine how much of an idiot I am for yourself (spoiler, the answer is a big one).
This book also contained themes I wasn’t too excited by, especially the cheating. The relationships in Adam’s books tend to be messy, but the ones in More Happy Than Not felt extra messy. This definitely had the feeling of a debut novel. I think if this had been the first Adam Silvera book I’d read I wouldn’t have continued with his work either.
P L O T
The plot was…interesting. It was a contemporary universe featuring diverse characters but had a science fiction addition. This is through the memory wiping service that allows individuals to get a fresh start when something traumatic has happened. For the case of one character, his twin brother is killed because of something he did. Not something that is easy to get over. The characters are given a fresh start but everyone around them remembers. They all have to be cautious about what they say because these memories can return with the right triggers.
Aaron is our main character. He goes on a long journey throughout More Happy Than Not. I really can’t say too much because it is too easy to give away spoilers and I really do try to keep my reviews spoiler free if I can.
I did enjoy the big twist. Enjoy is the wrong word, but it shocked me and kept me interested in what I was reading. But, this definitely wasn’t the best book. It was definitely a bit sloppy and I really struggled to get over the cheating aspect and some of the characters behaviours towards Aaron.
C H A R A C T E R S
#A A R O N
I really can’t say much here, because again spoilers, I will say Aaron was not my favourite character. Adam Silvera did well to create a complex and layered character, but I’m not sure it really meshed well with this particular narrative. At least for me, he didn’t.
O V E R A L L
Overall, I still love Adam Silvera and will read everything he publishes. I wasn’t expecting the best book ever from More Happy Than Not, just something a little different than what was given....more
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